Innovators in Rio see the climate challenge as an opportunity. Yesterday, they launched the Global Institute for Green Technology and Employment, an initiative that will focus on bolstering Brazil’s green economy by developing sustainable technologies and generating green job opportunities. The Institute is a new addition to the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and is inspired by the Green Growth Institute, which launched in Seoul, South Korea last year.

During a PowerPoint presentation delivered by Luiz Pinguelli Rosa (A Brazilian nuclear physicist, researcher and professor at the University) at the inauguration, I learned that wind power in Brazil is projected to have increased by 529% between 2010 and 2015. A new type of concrete with significantly lower CO2 emissions has also been developed here, and they’re planning to soon build the first ocean wave power plant in South America.

Since arriving in Rio, I keep hearing: “Brazil recognizes it is part of the solution.”

I like that, a lot. It goes well with how I approach environmental issues. Note the use of the word “solution” instead of “problem”. It isn’t productive to browbeat ourselves and others for our past environmental missteps. We must all stride into the future with determination—focusing on how we are all a part of the solution.

Brazil has developed a comprehensive approach to climate change. And given the widespread enthusiasm I’ve encountered here, they clearly have the vision and passion to implement it.

Exciting things are happening elsewhere, too. Three weeks before coming to Rio I interviewed Jenna Gall, who is the Communications Director for the Students on Ice Rio+20 Delegation. Students on Ice is an organization based in my country, Canada, with participants from 35 countries. Participating students travel to the polar regions, which, as you can imagine, gives them a unique perspective from which to discuss climate change. Their delegation will travel to Rio+20 to present a recommendation paper they’ve been working on for the past year. You can view it here.